Alex The Actualizer

My Role

Original UX & UI & 3D Modeler for the original Samsung R&D - Galaxy Phone Apps

Skill Sets: User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI) Hard Surface 3D modeling, 3D Animation, 3D Rendering, White Boarding and Usability Testing.
Designed 2009

The Challenge

During my tenure at Samsung R&D in San Jose, California, I was privileged to work directly under the VP, contributing to the evolution of the mobile phone industry. My responsibilities ranged from crafting innovative solutions for the VP's personal initiatives to undertaking high-profile projects under the direct supervision of Samsung's HQ in Seoul, South Korea. Below, you'll find a selection of the key projects I had the opportunity to work on during my time at Samsung R&D.

The Device

In an ambitious move to rival Apple's iPhone, Samsung planned to unveil its competitor by late 2009. Prior to this, exhaustive user research had been conducted to enhance the smartphone experience. However, dissatisfied with the home screen experience destined for the Galaxy S, the R&D Vice President assembled a dedicated team to bring his innovative vision to life.

The solution

In developing a groundbreaking home screen experience for Samsung, I leveraged the (then) highly advanced graphics processor to its full potential. I took the lead in conceptualizing and executing the UX and UI design, creating an array of 2D and 3D animations. My designs aimed to augment user productivity and establish a unique identity for our product in a competitive market.

Click and Drag the phone

From Concept to Reality: Shaping the Samsung Galaxy Experience

At Samsung, my primary project was the Galaxy phone, a task that utilized my comprehensive design skills. Beyond just 3D modeling the phone, I was deeply involved in the user interface design for various embedded and downloadable applications. These apps were essential to the Galaxy experience, requiring a blend of creativity and technical expertise.

Pioneering User Experience and Interface Design

The challenge of not only designing the hardware but also defining the user experience for a global audience was exhilarating. My role encompassed a wide range of responsibilities - from editing Photoshop files to animating models and ensuring every aspect of the phone aligned with our vision. My work was pivotal in bridging user experience with user interface design, drawing from my video game level design background to create intuitive and engaging interfaces.

A Trailer that Symbolizes a Journey

Our work led to the creation of a promotional trailer for the Samsung Galaxy phone, blending hardware and software seamlessly. This experience at Samsung was more than just product development; it was about crafting an experience that connected imagination with reality, turning innovative ideas into tangible experiences for users worldwide.

The work at Samsung R&D has always been about pushing boundaries and exploring innovative solutions. The Pure Breeze launcher was a testament to that. Crafted to reshape user interactions, Pure Breeze went beyond conventional design norms, offering enhanced organization, customization, and simplified app and file navigation. Our distinctive 'Kite' feature, a unique grouping system, revolutionized the home screen experience.

Talk Android

The vast number of possible Android launchers has increased by yet another as Samsung has released their own UI rendition called Pure Breeze from Samsung San Jose Mobile Lab. The launcher replaces the standard Android Home layout (for any Android device 2.1 or greater) in the hopes of giving users custom options, better organization and simplified navigation to apps and files. The twist? It works around a unique grouping system with a floating “Kite” that holds those groups and acts as your home screen. Whether or not this is a recipe for success remains questionable however.

Here’s what they say:

Pure Breeze is a customizable user interface that lets you easily organize your apps, groups, and tasks, and create shortcuts. Pure Breeze replaces your default home screen and allows you to enhance navigation by organizing your applications into groups. The “Kite”, a customizable floating window is always available with one touch to access your phone’s widgets and shortcuts. The “Kite” becomes your new launcher and home screen.

-Talk Android

More Animations

Delving into the archives, I'm excited to present a series of animations I developed for Samsung's interface design in 2011. These animations, characterized by their fluidity and user-friendliness, were integral to enhancing the visual experience of the interface and making user interactions more intuitive. As a testament to the transformative power of design, they demonstrate how motion can bring an interface to life, creating a dynamic user experience that feels both engaging and natural. Explore these animations to get a glimpse into the evolution of interface design at Samsung.

As one of the early pioneers in Android UI design, I had the unique opportunity to shape and influence the user experience during the platform's formative years. My work on the 2011 Samsung interface is a testament to the evolution of Android design principles, showcasing a blend of creativity, user-centric design, and technological innovation. These early animations encapsulate the groundbreaking strides we were making in user interaction and visual communication, setting the stage for the Android UI ecosystem's rapid growth and development. It's a privilege to reflect upon this period of technological innovation, and how it has influenced the rich and diverse landscape of modern Android UI design.